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Today we’re happy to be sharing a collaborative post written by an S&S reader with you. It can be tricky to stay social when you’re broke, and Josephine has some great tips on how to make it happen!

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5 ways to stay social when you're broke

5 Ways to Stay Social When You’re Broke

When you have no money, it can feel like you have no chance at a social life. What was once a fun night out with friends now just seems like a waste of what little money you have. And you even end up cancelling on plans because you can’t afford to go out.

But, just because you have no money doesn’t mean you need to turn into a hermit. There are still loads of ways you can see your friends and stay social when you’re broke.

Dinner Party

No, I’m not going to make you spend your hard-earned cash on dinner ingredients and drinks for a whole group. I’m talking about a collaborative dinner party.

Host a potluck party where each of your friends brings a dish. You just provide the drinks (and maybe a dish of your own if you’re feeling generous). It’s a fun way to spend time with your friends, try lots of new foods, and still save money.

A Picnic

One of the easiest ways to have a cheap day out is to actually go out. There are thousands of national parks and reserves all over the country (and the world!), which offer a free place to meet up and enjoy the sunny weather.

To make more of a day of things you can bring a picnic basket with sandwiches, pasta salad, nibbles, and fruit. Snag a picnic table or just lay out a picnic blanket in the grass along the water.

Cheap Entertainment

Stop worrying about taking out a signature loan to go to that concert with your friends. Just bring the music at home, and make a night of it at your house!

If you can’t afford to go out for group activities with your friends, DIY those activities at home. Try board games, sing karaoke, play hide and seek, cook together, or even make something crafty. You can still have a laugh without breaking the bank!

Eat Side Dishes

One of the best ways to save some money when eating out is to order a couple of side dishes or starters instead of a main dish. Appetizers are often meant to feed a small group, so you get plenty of food for a portion of the cost. It’s great way to enjoy a meal out with your friends without having to fork out for the whole meal (ha, fork!).

Cheaper Drinks

It’s crazy how your money disappears when some of your best nights involve going to a bar for drinks.

You can still enjoy a couple pints, margaritas, martinis, or glasses of sangria without blowing through all of your money.

There is an app called The Happiest Hour which shows you where the cheapest drinks are in your area. Head to the cheapest (I mean, the most wallet-friendly) bars and keep the costs of your drinks down.

Happy money-friendly socializing everyone!

Cheers! From Savings and Sangria